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May 17, 2016

Readers, would you wear zebra-print pants?
Actually, the real question is, would I wear zebra print pants. And as of this moment, I'm on the fence. I found this print while fabric shopping today and it definitely caught my eye. It's a pants-weight cotton -- canvas, I think. I definitely prefer it to traditional zebra-skin prints, but I wasn't able to make up my mind. That happens sometimes. I spent more than an hour in the store and walked out empty-handed, aside from a few swatches.

I also liked this Alice & Olivia striped French terry-type cotton knit in two colorways: I'd buy a bit of each and combine them. But the fabric wasn't terribly soft and the hand was a bit droopy for my taste -- like a heavy cotton sweater. Also the price.

I liked this reversible cotton polka dot knit (below) but it was too stretchy and thin for me (which is often the case with the cotton knits I find in fabric stores).

I was interested in this beautiful lightweight glen plaid wool suiting, but there wasn't enough yardage for a full suit. I could really use a suit and the challenge of making one appeals to me.

I'm a bit wishy-washy today, in part because I'm not sure what I want to sew next. Does that ever happen to you? I thought about sewing up a vintage 20's men's shirt pattern I own, which would look something like this:

But I'm not sure I'd actually wear it. I did stitch up this 1940's woven undershirt over the weekend, though it still needs buttons.

I had my last ladies tailoring class last Wednesday and submitted my two skirts for full evaluation; the professor seemed pleased. (No grade yet.) My intensive draping class (five weeks, four nights per week) starts this coming Monday. I'm very excited about that.

Finally, I purchased these Adidas sneakers on eBay and -- miracle of miracles -- they fit perfectly. Buying footwear online is a bit of a gamble.

And that's about it. Hopefully once I start my next project I'll have more exciting news to share.

Maybe some zebra print spats to go with your new black adidas? I MIGHT wear a pair of zebra print pants with a black t-shirt and black adidas, and then only if I was in the mood to make a statement. :)

Yep, shorts. Bermuda shorts, for your trip to Provincetown, or where ever you all go. A denim jacket was the runner-up idea when I saw the print (and that strikes me as "more Michael than you", if you can believe it).

If you can't decide what's next, then it is time to look at your closet. Sort it, evaluate it, remove things that are no longer working for you. Your closet will tell you what you need to sew and often it's not all that exciting. I spend a more time sewing and repairing my "basics" than anything else.

Zebra print might be cute for children's pyjamas but not much sex appeal for adults!! I agree with Nursebennett that it might be better suited for interior: maybe cushions for garden chairs on a terrace especially in wicker for that slight safari feel??

My first thought for the gorgeous zebra fabric was cushion cover or small curtain or room divider, but I can see it too on a loose-fitting casual jacket. Not pants! Beautiful work on the skirts! Anne-Marie

I bought a zebra print shirt in an English fashion store, a random black repeat on a white ground - turned up at work in it and my co-worker had exactly the same one on! Zebras seem to be 'in' at the moment ...

Wish I'd known you would be at Mood yesterday. I would've planned to accidentally bump into you there. My daughter (who is visiting NYC with me this time) says she would wear pants in the zebra fabric. But she's 20, so she has an excuse.

Pretty much any good quality thread. Naturally, basting with silk is preferred, especially for delicate fabrics, as it pulls out easily and doesn't leave a mark on fabrics when pressed. Otherwise, a good cotton thread for basting.

A Zebra jacket sounds good to me, Eisenhower style, or jeans style. You can hardly go wrong with b/w prints but the scale would be really unflattering on my (large) bum... maybe a jacket with a lot of vertical pleats (see recent Threads cover photo). If you really want some summer pants you could combine the zebras with coordinated stripes and dots for a patchwork effect, or excuse me, the new patchwork, color blocked. Sturdy canvas makes great beach bags or tote bags too.

I want to thank you, Peter, for blogging so frequently and with such good discussion questions. It's great to have something new from you almost every day. Congrats on the tailoring class, and good luck with the draping. So many of us are hopelessly far away from high level sewing classes, we improve through you! Kris

Congrats on finishing your tailoring class! I can tell from the photos that the skirts are well made so no surprise that the professor was pleased. Good luck with the draping class - I look forward to reading about your experience with it.

As for the zebra print fabric, how about shorts and a matching hat for the beach. Ha!

A loose jacket or maybe a beach bag in the zebra print, but not pants. You'd make yourself crazy with trying to match across all those seams.I second what Anonymous said about your good discussion questions. I don't get to read here as often as I'd like, but it's always useful information.

A classic jean in this zebra print would be amazing. Wear a solid color on top -- ANY solid color. Or B/W polka dots. I am jealous that I did not think of this first.

In my sewing queue is a 1970s shirtwaist dress in a cotton drapery fabric that is printed in French blue on ivory, with Regency stripes and cartouches of animals dressed as humans playing musical instruments: monkey, rabbit, bear. I can scarcely wait to get started on it. It will be amazing ... entirely "safe" and even dowdy, but entirely rebellious against conformity, all at the same time. I think the zebra jeans would make the same statement.

Design something unique. See what you can do with a shirt if you let your creative juices flow. Take your standard pattern and alter it so that it becomes something that is totally you. Make a diagonal front placket. Add a bib. Experiment!

a boy, a dream, and 10+ sewing machines

I'm a native New Yorker and sewing fanatic! I started sewing in 2009 and today make all my own clothes using vintage sewing machines and vintage patterns, in addition to sewing for private clients. Welcome to the warm and whimsical world of Male Pattern Boldness, where the conversation is sewing, style, fashion, fabric, and more!